Chair in Bioethics

Introduction

The Chair in Bioethics, one of the pioneers in Spain, was founded by P. Javier Gafo in 1987 with the aim of shedding light on the moral issues resulting from breakthroughs in biomedical science.

Its main activities in research, teaching and publications are as follows

An Interdisciplinary Seminar has been taking place since 1985; results of which are published in the collection entitled Dilemas Éticos de la Medicina Actual [Ethical Dilemmas of Modern Medicine]. There are currently 22 published volumes with a profound impact on Spain and Latin America due to their high scientific value.

Since 1997, a series of case studies entitled "Chair in Bioethics" have been published, which currently stands at 19 volumes.

A bi-annual and face-to-face taught Official Master's Degree in Bioethics was created in 1997. It aims to train professionals who wish to specialize in this discipline, become members of Healthcare Ethics Committees in hospitals or conduct research or teaching on this subject.

Annual Conferences are held on various current issues within the framework of Comillas Pontifical University.

It offers introductory and specialist courses on Bioethics in several university and hospital forums.

The Chair has access to an extensive list of publications in the University Library including the main national and international journals.

Within the Chair's framework in recent years many dissertations and theses on bioethics have been conducted and presented on issues of keen interest and scientific importance.

History

From 1980 onwards the Faculty of Theology of the Comillas Pontifical University began to address this subject through a series of internal Seminars on topics related to Bioethics, which in turn led to two renowned pieces being published: VIDAL, M. (ed.), Homosexualidad: Ciencia y conciencia, Sal Terrae, Santander 1981, y GAFO, J. (ed.), La Eutanasia y el derecho a morir con dignidad, Paulinas/UPCO, Madrid 1984. Given the keen interest sparked by these issues, in 1985 the university began to organize an Interdisciplinary Seminar on Bioethical issues which was attended by specialists from both the field of natural/biological and human/social sciences. Emanating from this Interdisciplinary Seminar, the Governing Board of Comillas Pontifical University founded the Chair of Bioethics in December 1987 under the leadership of Dr. Javier Gafo. The Chair primarily aims to shed light on the moral problems caused by the phenomenal advances in biomedical science, the responsibilities in terms of the environment and the issue of resource distribution or the right to healthcare. Its activity can be categorized into three main aspects: research, teaching and publications. It also has access to the papers on Bioethics in the University Library and engages with other Spanish and foreign centers and institutions.

From 1995 and until recently, an annual Interdisciplinary Seminar has been held on the ethical issues concerning mental deficiencies, in collaboration with the Association for the Promotion of Disabled People (PROMI), giving rise to a new series of books: Ethical Dilemmas of Mental Deficiencies.

On the occasion of reaching its tenth year of activity in 1997, the Chair began to publish a new series of case studies entitled "Chair in Bioethics".

In addition to many teaching, research and conference activities, the Chair offers a bi-annual program for university graduates (Diploma holders and Licentiate Degree holders), which enables students to obtain the Master's Degree in Bioethics.

Members of the Chair

Director:

Prof. Dr. Javier de la Torre Díaz This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Secretary:

Prof. Dra. Carmen Massé García

Members of the Advisory Council:

Dr. Ignacio Boné Pina s.j. Doctor in Medicine, Specialist Doctor in Psychiatry and Head of Studies at the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Comillas Pontifical University.